The Union
is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace
and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative
democracy.

To that
end, it:

Fosters
contacts, co-ordination, and the exchange of experience among parliaments
and parliamentarians of all countries;

Considers
questions of international interest and concern and expresses its views on
such issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and
parliamentarians;

Contributes to
the defence and promotion of human rights - an essential factor of
parliamentary democracy and development;

Contributes to
better knowledge of the working of representative institutions and to the
strengthening and development of their means of action.

The IPU
supports the efforts of and works in close co-operation with the United
Nations, whose objectives it shares. The Union also co-operates with
regional inter-parliamentary organizations, as well as with international
intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which are motivated by the
same ideals.

In October
2011, the IPU adopted its Strategy for 2012-2017
under the overall title "Better parliaments, stronger democracy".